Final note: Bad Karma at Fisker Automotive

The designers at Fisker Automotive are no doubt smarting today from a Consumer Reports review that trashes the company's new luxury plug-in hybrid. The magazine says the new "Karma" is "plagued with flaws."

The gas engine is "raspy" and lacks "oomph," according to the magazine's reviewers. Cramped interior, another complaint. And the touch-screen system? An "ergonomic disaster." Fisker says it's working on the problems.

Sarah Gardner is a reporter with Marketplace's Sustainability Desk. Her past projects include “We Used To Be China,” “Coal Play,” “Consumed,” “The Next American Dream,” “Jobs of the Future,” and “Climate Race,” among others. Sarah began her career at Marketplace as a...